Pat Connaughton is more than just an NBA champion; he’s a force of nature. We all have seen his unmatched energy on the court, but off the court, what we haven’t seen is his life filled with love and milestones. While his athletic accomplishments speak for himself, one person holds his heart above all.

Since becoming an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, the sharpshooter has made a name for himself on the court. But off the court, his life has become even more special. Behind his off-court happiness is the woman he loves, Ryan Gareis.

Who is Pat Connaughton’s girlfriend, Ryan? Milwaukee Bucks star’s life off the court revealed

Gareis, born on November 13, 1998, in Naperville, Illinois, has been a constant source of support for him: from cheering him in arenas to sharing so many of their life’s greatest adventures. On June 2023, the couple posted a picture of them on Instagram, which was the first time they went public with their love, captioning, “And if you don’t know, now you know 🤞🏼.” And since then, their relationship blossomed naturally.

On January 3, 2024, the couple’s bond deepened even further when they announced they were expecting a baby. She shared the exciting news on Instagram, writing, “Life is so good… adding a mini 24 this ‘24.” Two adorable photos accompanied the post: one showing Pat and Ryan smiling widely, with Ryan holding a tiny green No. 24 Connaughton jersey onesie, and another of the couple proudly holding their baby’s ultrasound pictures. There was another milestone following them!

Just a few weeks later, on February 22, their bond further deepened with yet another milestone: their engagement. She posted an image that showed Connaughton kneeling with the caption, “Always ♾️ Forever.” Their love story, which had already captured hearts, reached a new chapter as they prepared for their future together.

Through it all, the two have shown their unwavering commitment to each other. Whether attending each other’s games or sharing precious moments, their relationship has been one of support and love. However, their lives fully turned on May 3, 2024, as they welcomed their baby boy, Crew Leo Connaughton. Is it any surprise that their story continues to inspire? Now that you are about his life partner, it’s time to know what she does.

What does Ryan Gareis do for a living? Was she a professional soccer player?

If you think baby Crew’s father is the only athlete in the family, then you are wrong. His mother Ryan is too an athlete! Yes, she is a professional soccer player. She is someone whose journey has been of grit, passion, and quiet triumph. She grew up in Naperville, Illinois, where she didn’t choose soccer just as a sport; but as a way of life. All those early years with long afternoons spent on the field, learning the game and sharpening her skills gave her back the time she reached high school. It was clear she was destined for more.

At the University of South Carolina, Gareis’ name became synonymous with determination. As a freshman, she excelled, started 22 out of 23 games, and finished second on the team with 19 shots on goals, proving her potential and work ethic. But the road wasn’t always smooth.

Her sophomore year brought unforeseen challenges: a nagging knee injury that forced her to sit out games and reevaluate her place on the field. Still, she wasn’t one to back down. And as they say, “Life has its ups and downs, but you can only look forward.” She came back exactly like that as stronger, showing the same drive that had first earned her a spot on the team.

In 2022, she had her big breakthrough, when she was selected by the Houston Dash in the NWSL Draft. It was a dream come true moment, but it came with challenges. Do you know her rookie season was filled with growing pains? But her resilience shone through. She appeared in 20 matches, earning the club’s Young Player of the Year award–an honor that solidified her place not just on the team, but also in the league.

Through 2023, her role with the Dash only grew. That season, she played 12 league matches and was a key part of the team’s offense, once again showing up when it mattered most. All this led to a contract extension with the Dash, keeping her with the team through 2025. This serves as a testament to her skill and never-give-up spirit.

But beyond the pitch, her story was also unfolding off the field. She juggled her academic pursuits at South Carolina with a series of internships, demonstrating the same level of commitment that defined her soccer career. There was no doubt that Ryan Gareis was someone who could balance both ambition and practicality.